Former Pro Racer Jonathan Cantwell Dies at 36

Jonathan Cantwell, a former pro cyclist from Australia who stepped away from the sport after a high-profile legal fight with his team, passed away on Tuesday at age 36.

Cycling Australia, the UCI’s governing body in the country, announced Cantwell’s death on Twitter. While it did not directly reference a cause of death, the tweet included the number for a suicide prevention hotline in Australia:

Cycling Australia is deeply saddened by the passing of Jonathan Cantwell. We extend our thoughts to his family and friends at this time. If you need support and information about suicide prevention, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. pic.twitter.com/ZkpvwCEYDq

Cantwell went pro in 2008 when he joined Jittery Joe’s, a since-disbanded American UCI Continental team. He raced for another six years, winning two stages at the 2009 Herald Sun Tour in Melbourne and becoming the 2011 Australian national criterium champion. A sprinter, he stepped up to the WorldTour team Saxo Bank in 2012 and appeared in the Tour de France that year, finishing in the top 10 on Stage 4.

In 2014, Cantwell sued his new team, Drapac Professional Cycling, for more than $300,000 after management terminated his contract a year early. According to news reports at the time, he was suspended in the middle of his two-year contract over concerns about his commitment to training. Although Cantwell claimed more than $1.2 million in damages for wrongful termination, the suit was settled for a symbolic $1 in May of this year.

He retired at the end of 2014, in the midst of the Drapac lawsuit. Post-retirement, Cantwell became a triathlete and competed at the Triathlon World Championships in 2017. He also served as CEO of SwiftCarbon Australia, a manufacturer of high-end carbon road, time trial, and mountain bikes.

Last year, Cantwell underwent treatment for testicular cancer. The surgery and chemotherapy were reportedly successful.

Scores of tributes and remembrances from the cycling community have appeared on social media over the last two days. “My heart aches heavy to learn that Jonathon Cantwell has died,” former Australian Olympian Anna Meares tweeted.

My heart aches heavy to learn that Jonathon Cantwell has died. Love and thoughts with his family and friends and indeed community 💔🚲 https://t.co/HCmkhW9w39

Cantwell, who lived in Melbourne and originally hailed from the city of Brisbane, is survived by his partner and two children.

Danielle ZicklAssociate Health & Fitness EditorDanielle specializes in interpreting and reporting the latest health research and also writes and edits in-depth service pieces about fitness, training, and nutrition.

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